On the rivers Tauber and Altmühl

Your trip begins in Rothenburg, situated in the Tauber valley. You will find lean towers, flower-clad timber-frame houses and imposing ancient defence facilities. Rothenburg’s well-preserved historic centre, with its intricate alleys, is regarded as the archetypal medieval German town and is particularly popular tourists. Pre-booked rental bikes are ready for you at the hotel.

Today, you will be starting in the Frankenhöhe nature park, with an optional detour to the Altmühl’s source (approx. 16 km / 10 miles). The steep ascent to Colmberg Castle is also very worthwhile, as its basic structure remains unchanged since the 12th century. Today’s final destination will either be Herrieden, a small village with over 1000 years of history, or Ansbach, a splendid margravial residency 

An ambitious construction project aimed at balancing Bavaria’s water reserves has shaped the Franconian lake district, through which you will be cycling today. Via the Limes, the former frontier of the Roman Empire, you will be reaching today’s final destination, which will either be Weißenburg, home to Germany’s largest treasure trove, or the picturesque Wettelsheim.

From Treuchtlingen onwards, the valley will get narrower as the river has deepened its profile through the Jurassic rock formations. The twelve apostles, highly imposing dolomite rocks in the Altmühl valley natural park are perhaps the most impressive rock formation you will witness on this journey. Along today’s stage, the Altmühl is guarded by stately castles, while you get closer to the next destination, the episcopal and university town of Eichstätt. 

In Eichstätt, you will have enough time to pay the dinosaurs a visit: In the Jura museum there are countless fossils on display, including everything from two-legged predators to the archaeopteryx. You can also choose to travel in time and visit the Roman fort of Vetoniana, before cycling back into the present. Through the juniper heather of the Altmühl valley, today’s final destination is Beilngries.

Today’s first stop is Dietfurt, which means you will have arrived at the Rhine-Main-Danube canal. The Sounding Museum in Riedenburg displays a whole host of music playback devices. Afterwards, why not visit Prunn castle? In Kehlheim, not only you, but also the Altmühl’s masses of water will have reached today’s final stop: here, the Bavarian river flows into the Danube. From the Befreiungshalle you can get a beautiful panoramic view. 

You will be getting a ferry through the impressive Danube breakthrough to Weltenburg monastery, which is home to the oldest monastery brewery in the world – so you should definitely pay its beer garden a visit. Regensburg’s historic centre was recently declared a UNESCO world heritage site, without losing any of its modern flair. Street cafes, restaurants and a vibrant nightlife will make your visit highly memorable. 

After breakfast, individual return journey or start of your extension.